A Saudi lesson for Iran: This is how you launch a satellite

Saudi Arabia’s latest communications satellite went into orbit early on Wednesday after a flawless blastoff from the launch site in South America.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had signed the final piece to be placed on the Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1 (SGS-1) before its launch, with the words: “Above the clouds.”

The satellite will provide telecommunications capabilities, stronger internet connectivity, TV and secure communications in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The successful mission from the launch pad in French Guiana was in stark contrast to an attempt last month by Iran to launch a satellite; the third stage of the Iranian carrier rocket had insufficient power to reach orbit, and the satellite plunged into the Indian Ocean.

The Saudi launch was carried out by Arianespace using the Ariane 5 rocket. Arianespace chief executive Stephane Israel said: “I want to express my gratitude to our friends and partners in Riyadh, where I am sure this success is being celebrated.”

The SGS-1 was developed by a team from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin.

The satellite was manufactured and tested with the participation of Saudi engineers and scientists, and will be operated and controlled by Saudi staff from ground stations in the Kingdom.